PERSONAL ESSAY

By
Rev. Mercy Wangui Njuraita

Presented to the Admissions office

Of Criswell College

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For

Admission

Masters of Art in Counseling Psychology

June 2016

How and when did you come to know Jesus Christ?

I was born in December 1970 to a family that did not know God. My fathers family lived in
Nairobi city in one of the slums where they were brewing illicit alcohol. When I was born my mother
requested the family to allow her to go to the rural area because she feared the life they were living
would affect her children later. When we went to the rural area, together with settling down, I noted
people there went to church, which I did not understand what it was all about. The children in our
neighborhood invited me to Sunday school and I liked the way they sang songs, recited memory
verses, etc. I became a frequent visitor though my mother did not understand why I had to go to
church. It was in this time that my heart started to be drawn to God, I remember after Sunday school I
could go to a nearby forest and I would start to preach to the trees. I got baptized and confirmed as I
grew up and became a firm member of the Anglican Church in our area. I got saved at a tender age and
through my witness my mother started going to church. Later my father who was a drunkard got
saved and became a strong believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. My mother, after being a church attendee
for a while, also got saved.
How would you describe your personal Relationship with God at this present time?
My personal life with the Lord, right now, I would say is very intimate. I have grown in my
walk with Him, through my daily devotions, prayer and fasting and ministry to the body of Christ. I
have attended many conferences, where I am taught the word of God and I have also taught the word
in many conferences and seminars.
Explain when and how you began to feel a sense of calling into ministry (if applicable)
While in secondary school I served in the Christian Union fellowship as the secretary and I
used to preach and witness to other students. Back at home, I was involved in the leadership of the
youth ministry in my local church. In 1991 after finishing secondary school, I felt the Lord leading me
to full time ministry. I started seeking the Lord concerning what he wanted me to do. At this time, we
formed a fellowship for young people who were out of school. Through this fellowship we used to
organize crusades, overnight prayers, and school rallies. We used to visit schools and preach to the
students. We held crusades and door- to- door campaigns to witness to unbelievers. However, this did
not go far, my parents felt it was not good for me to become a preacher, because preachers are poorly
paid and they live a desperate life. They, therefore, forced me to go to Nairobi city and look for a job.
There was a struggle between me and my parents, but I was advised to obey them and if God had
called me He would open a door for me to serve Him.
In Nairobi, I got frustrated because I could not get a good job, but after several months I met
one pastor in a church meeting who introduced me to East Africa School of Theology and invited me
to his church. This was the turning point in my life and ministry. I first joined the church where I felt
the presence of God and immediately God gave me favor before the pastor and the congregation and I
became youth leader and worship leader.
1

2
I applied to East Africa School of Theology (EAST) in 1993 but I was not admitted, because
they needed me to have worked in the church for at least one year. I was advised to work at least for
one year and then the pastor can recommend me. I joined EAST in July 1995 and did my Advanced
Diploma and graduated with high honors. Later in 2002 I enrolled again and did a B.A. in Bible and
Theology and graduated in 2004. Currently I am a part- time student with Global University taking
Masters of Art in Biblical Studies.
Describe your Ministry interests (if applicable).
I got married in 1994 to a pastor of an Assemblies of God church. Since then I have
been involved in ministry alongside him. I have been the associate pastor in charge of worship and
discipleship. Since I came to USA I have been involved in Preaching, Teaching, Counseling young
people and couples. I am also involved in leading group prayers meetings and also in telephone
conferences.
How do you think Criswell College can enable you to reach the dreams and goals God has given
you?
After reviewing your programs, I feel I would like to pursue a Masters of Art Degree in Counseling
Psychology. Since your program is a new one I feel I would be growing with it. Being a Christian
College I feel it would give me the right approach as opposed to many humanistic programs being
offered out there. Your conservative stand on the Bible is a great base for truly holistic counseling
practice and I believe will give me the right preparation. I am interested in your strong practice-based
training and your mission emphasis. For the kind of training I feel your college is fairly priced in fees.
I want to learn from seasoned ministers so that I can tap from their knowledge and experience.
This I feel will equip me for the ministry God has called me to. I believe the training I will gain from
Criswell will help serve the church and the community at large.
Faithfully Submitted by
Rev. Mercy Wangui Njuraita